It's Friday so we are rounding up fresh healthy recipes to start you weekend/next week off right. Today get involved with some Quinoa the power grain that is jam-packed with protein, all nine essential amino acids, and is also high in good-for-you fiber, iron, and manganese #RecipeRoundUp

It may no longer be the international year of quinoa (here’s looking at you, 2013!), but it’s safe to say that quinoa mania is still going strong. Whether it’s rolled up in our sushi, baked into our bread, or served in a salad, this nutritious seed seems to be everywhere. And it’s no surprise, considering it’s jam-packed with protein, all nine essential amino acids, and is also high in good-for-you fiber, iron, and manganese. With a subtly nutty flavor and texture that’s somewhere between chewy and fluffy, it’s perfect for all different kinds of cuisines and meal types.

Despite quinoa's impressive assets, eating bowl after bowl of the stuff is a one-way ticket to Dullsville. Luckily, given the versatility of this mighty little seed, there are plenty of ways to dress it up and build on its flavor. Check out these amazing options for some quinoa-cooking inspiration!

Breakfast

1. Cinnamon Apple Quinoa ParfaitBreakfast that can double as dessert? Sign us up! Quinoa gets the sweet treatment thanks to a cinnamon-y oat crumble and a caramelized apple mixture. Layer the three in between a few dollops of Greek yogurt, and voilà: pure delight in every spoonful.

2. Veggie Quinoa Breakfast BowlWhat breakfast food list would be complete without an egg dish? If you lean toward savory in the AM, this bowl has just what you need to satisfy your sunny-side up craving. Think grated cheese, broccoli, mushrooms, and quinoa—topped with an egg and seasoned to perfection.

3. Quinoa Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup Though we might have to save it for those “treat yo self" mornings, this decadent dish is definitely not to be missed. Pump up the nutritional value of regular pancakes by adding quinoa and blueberries to the mix (hello, protein and antioxidant megapowers!). Though not light on calories, these made-from-scratch pancakes are packed with good-for-you ingredients.

4. Pumpkin Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Cookies for breakfast might feel taboo, but these oaty, whole-wheat treats will make you throw out the dessert rulebook—especially since you get a taste of pumpkin, a heart-healthy, immunity-boosting superfood, in every bite.

5. Warm Quinoa and Berry BowlWith just six ingredients, this breakfast dish only looks—and tastes—gourmet. A berry medley, quinoa, some water, a tad of agave, and some zesty ginger combine for one delicious morning meal.

6. Cranberry Quinoa MuffinsA coffeehouse staple, muffins are often big on size but small on satiety. Quinoa to the rescue! Add some to the mix, and you’ve got the dose of protein you need to keep you full and to help you power through your morning—without worrying about your stomach grumbling an hour later.

7. Guacamole Quinoa with MangoAs you can see, we’ve made it our mission to locate every awesome riff on guacamole, and this protein-packed, tropical recipe is one more take on a long-time fave.

8. Quinoa ScrambleScrambled eggs, quinoa, and avocado: the main ingredients in this recipe are proof positive that keeping things simple is always a good option.

10. Cheese and Vegetable Quinoa BitesThe next time you host a party, serve up some of these savory baked bites. These little guys contain cheese, shredded carrots, and fresh spinach (a superfood in its own right), and owe their flavor to garlicand shallots.

11. Crispy Quinoa Bites Another stellar finger-food option, these bites have a hint of Italian flavor, thanks to fresh basil, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and grape tomatoes. Hey, anything that sounds like pizza is a welcome snack in our books.

12. Roasted Shrimp Quinoa Spring RollsSwap out vermicelli noodles, the traditional filling for spring rolls, for nutritious and delicious quinoa. Whip up a super simple dipping sauce (seriously, it only requires four ingredients!), and you’ve got an app that may outshine your main meal.

15. Quinoa Egg MuffinsThough they’re called “muffins,” these baked wonders shouldn’t be confused with the fluffy, bread-y variety. More along the lines of a mini frittata, they pack plenty of protein and a generous serving of your favorite veggies.

Lunch

16. Black Bean and Quinoa SoupThere’s something ultra-comforting about soups in general, but this black bean soup in particular has a way of warming us up (both literally and figuratively). Quinoa’s texture makes it extra hearty—and adds plenty of protein and good-for-you nutrients.

17. The “Zen” Quinoa BowlWhat happens when you pair tons of veggies with egg whites, quinoa, and kicky spices, then top it all off with avocado slices? Something awesome, obviously! This supremely delicious meal can be enjoyed morning, noon, or night.

18. Caprese Quinoa SaladSuper simple and oh-so-tasty, this recipe adds some embellishments (in the form of pine nuts, quinoa, and avocado—all of which we adore) to the Italian classic antipasto.

20. Lemon Quinoa Cilantro Chickpea SaladIs anything more refreshing than lemon paired with cilantro? Apart from lemonade, we doubt it. Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, quinoa, and other goodies, and the result is a salad as pretty as it is delicious.

22. Ribboned Asparagus and Quinoa SaladOh, how we love asparagus. Not only is it low-calorie with bone-boosting vitamin K, it also contains hangover-curing superpowers. No wonder it’s a superfood. Instead of enjoying it in spear-form, put the vegetable peeler to work creating thin ribbons. Throw in some quinoa and pine nuts, and top it all off with a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a simple but oh-so-satisfying dish.

23. Sweet Potato Quinoa SoupThis chunky soup is brimming with healthy ingredients—and that’s on top of the quinoa. Colorful sweet potatoes are chock-full of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and more superstar nutrients. Truth bomb: a medium sweet potato packs even more potassium than a banana!

25. Broccoli Quinoa QuesadillasThese aren’t the quesadillas from your old college days—though they’re almost as easy to make. The main difference? They contain quinoa and another superfood (and cancer-fighting star), broccoli.

26. Quinoa and Mean Greens Medley This dish is basically brimming with superfoods—we’re talking four nutritional powerhouses, all packed into one phenomenal meal. The stars of this recipe? Quinoa, kale, spinach, and broccoli. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as an entrée, this dish is one to keep on heavy rotation.

28. Roasted Veggie Quinoa SaladTime crunch? This one’s for you! Hands down one of the best things about roasting veggies is how easy it is (just slice, season, and throw ‘em in the oven). Cubed veggies, such as zucchini and bell peppers, turn into a full-on meal when paired with quinoa and topped with a zesty and refreshing dressing.

29. Edamame Quinoa SaladThis colorful salad will help you taste the rainbow—without food coloring—thanks to a mix of bold ingredients: red cabbage, red peppers, pineapple, almonds, and more. Top it all off with chili powder and garlic dressing for a festive finish.

Dinner

30. Quinoa and Shrimp PaellaOne of the most beautiful things about paella? It varies from cook to cook and can be adapted based on your veggie, meat, and even rice preferences. This recipe replaces the rice base with quinoa—an amazing alternative to the traditional Spanish dish. Muy delicioso!

31. Red Quinoa Cakes Real talk: Sometimes we just can’t say no to something gooey and cheesy. These bad boys, which go a little heavy on the cheddar, are no exception. They look a bit like burger patties, but these cheesy quinoa cakes can be made so that they’re completely vegetarian-friendly—it only takes a simple swap of vegetable broth for chicken broth.

32. Vegan Stuffed MushroomsThis vegan meal is for meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters alike. Rosemary, garlic, and a balsamic vinegar glaze amps up the umami flavor of the mushrooms. Quinoa and kale keep it super filling.

34. Porcini Mushroom Quinoa RisottoUnlike regular risotto, this one skips arborio rice. Instead, quinoa is the base for this completely dairy-freedish. Asparagus, spinach, and two different kinds of mushrooms come together for an earthy-yet-springy flavor.

35. Spinach Artichoke Quinoa CasseroleCasseroles might be the ultimate comfort food. They’re warm, filling, and make excellent leftovers. This one has the added benefit of also including quinoa, tons of spinach, and artichoke hearts.

36. Cilantro-Quinoa Turkey Burgers with Garlicky KaleAs if the cilantro, ground turkey, and quinoa combo wasn’t enticing enough, top it all off with a big ol’ heap of kale sautéed to garlicky goodness, wedge it all between two buns, and you’ve got a delicious new take on the standard burger.

37. Quinoa PuttanescaYet another twist on an Italian mainstay, this Puttanesca recipe ditches pasta in favor of quinoa and adds another nutritional superstar: spinach! This leafy green is full of vitamins that help protect your vision and boost your bone health.

41. Quinoa BrowniesThe secret good-for-you ingredients in these gooey brownies? Quinoa, flax, and… wait for it… butternut squash purée! You get a healthy dose of protein, omega-3s, and vitamin A in every single delectable bite.

44. Quinoa Almond MacaroonsCoconut-y and a little crunchy, these five-ingredient macaroons are gluten-free and topped with a full tank of protein, thanks to a cup of quinoa.

45. Blueberry Almond and Amaretto Quinoa CrispDon’t let the fancy name fool you. This dessert is accessible to cooks of all experience levels. With just four steps, quick prep time, and excellent ingredients like fresh, antioxidant-rich blueberries and crunchy almond slices, you’ve got a sweet treat that’s both delish and Instagram-worthy.

46. Guilt-Free Oats and Quinoa Chocolate Chip CookiesAs if chocolate chip cookies could get any better, this recipe cuts back on some sugar and swaps flour for quinoa flour without sacrificing taste. Plus, it doesn’t require a mixer—perfect for people with just basic kitchen equipment. Better yet, with a simple switch to gluten-free oats, these cookies can easily be made completely gluten-free.

47. Dark Chocolate Quinoa TrufflesHow can you go wrong with chocolate-covered chocolate? Okay, so there’s a bit more to the filling than just cocoa—it’s a mixture of dates, quinoa, almond butter, and more. That said, these tasty truffles are so easy to make, and even easier to enjoy.

48. Peanut Butter and Nutella Quinoa BitesWe couldn’t dream up a more delicious combination: nutella and peanut butter criss-crossed with a drizzle of chocolate. These no-bake balls are easy to make, better to eat, and will satisfy any raging chocoholic.

49. Quinoa Chocolate DropsWe’re big fans of almost anything that involves peanut butter and chocolate, two great tastes that taste absolutely freaking amazing together. This nutty, no-bake dessert is no exception.